Welcome to the 2013-2014 Pleasant View Middle School academic year. I am happy to meet all my new students and parents as we begin our year together. We will begin our year studying ancient Greece and Rome with an emphasis on the legacies they left to the generations of the world. We have a wide variety of technologies, including one-to-one computing, in our classroom for use throughout the year.
By now you all know how this classroom came to be filled with technologies. In 2010, four teachers were awarded a 21st century grant. The purpose of this grant was to bring new teaching methods to the classroom in an effort to increase student engagement and academic achievement.
Most students like the availability of the technologies. During their free time outside of school, there are technology-related activities they enjoy. This year, we will be learning to use the computers and digital tools for far more than social networking and gaming. During this school year, your use of our digital tools will be similar to using the encyclopedias in the library for research or art materials for Social Studies projects. The netbooks, notebooks, iPads, and iPods will be our ‘tools of choice.” As such, we should never lose sight of the reason we are in this class and that we use these technologies…to learn about ancient times and the middle ages. Our goal should be to first, acquire the knowledge and then, use it in a new and interesting format through the use of a digital tool.
THIS IS A PENCIL ONLY CLASS!!
NO GUM OR FOOD PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM. WATER CAN BE BROUGHT INTO THE CLASSROOM ONLY DURING THE HOT MONTHS IN THE FALL AND SPRING. WATER BOTTLES MUST BE KEPT IN THE CUBBIES...AWAY FROM THE TECHNOLOGIES PLEASE.
USE THE CUBBIES FOR YOUR EXTRA BOOKS AND MATERIALS. ONLY SOCIAL STUDIES MATERIALS SHOULD BE ON THE TABLE WITH THE STUDENTS.
SUPPLIES
In addition to paper to use in class, each student will need a spiral bound notebook specifically for notes. Each student will need a 1" to 1 1/2" three-ring binder to house their classwork, homework, study guides, quizzes, tests, etc. These binders, aka 'workbooks', will remain in the classroom to be used as a resource. The 'workbooks' should be taken from the classroom when studying for quizzes, tests or completing a project. Finally, my class is a 'pencil' class. This means we will NOT be using pens during the year. Students must have a pencil(s) and notebook paper every day.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments will vary. Some weeks students will have a homework project to be completed by a specific date. Sometimes students may have nightly homework and there may be periods of time when there is no homework assignments at all. Hopefully each student will have an assignment book (purchased or self-designed) to record assignments. Building organizational skills and a positive work ethic in middle school is very important.
LATE WORK
Nightly homework assignments are due the next day for credit. Late homework will not be accepted. We check assignments or discuss the homework topic the day the assignment was due.
Late projects will result in a 10% reduction for each day late, until the score reaches 0%.
WIKI
Dig Into the Past (this wiki) is the HOME wiki for our class and your best connection to our SS day. Here you will find class information and a page entitled, "Daily Deeds." If students are absent, they can find the details about the work we are doing in class. If a textbook is left at school, online links to the work will be in the Daily Deeds. It is important that the wiki be checked frequently since I make changes during the week.
Due to the size of the wiki, it is divided into individual wikis for each unit. They will be introduced as we approach the next unit.
TEXTBOOK
We have a new textbook this year. The books are signed out to the students through the ERC. It is their responsibility to monitor the use of their book and take good care of it. It is recommended that each student use a book cover. I hope to provide further information regarding an online version of the text or chapters on the unit wikis in the near future.
Our textbook is one of many resources we will be using this year. We also use atlases but there is only a class set. I have put the atlas activity pages on the related unit wiki. We will spend some time looking at and reviewing the above options during the first couple weeks of school.
GRADING
Grades are based on the points acquired on each assignment. Scores will be taken from a variety of assessments including: tests, quizzes, projects, homework assignments, classwork, etc. The grading scale is located in the student handbook.
GOOGLE(This information is subject to change. The District has developed its own Google Domain that we will be joining)
As a result of an ARRA grant, our building works with a Google domain. Each student at PVMS will have a login and password. If their teachers use Google Apps, students will be able to create Google Docs, Sites, Presentations, and all other applications available through Google. The benefit of using Google Apps in the classroom is that all work is saved 'on the cloud' rather than the school network. Students can access their work on any type of digital technologies that has Internet accessibility. We will use the apps in Social Studies throughout the year. I encourage students to share their Google account with their families. The login will be: first name.last name.@ pvms.gapps.swcs.us
Passwords are yet to be established.
ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO (ePortfolio)
Each student will create an e-Portfolio using Google Sites. This will basically be a website for the student to post their work, collect the topic vocabulary, write reflective responses, share their successes, etc. Students will use their login for their account and parents should ask to see it regularly. How proud they will be!!
We often use images of the students on their ePortfolios. You will be given a yellow sheet that must be signed if you permit your child to upload their pictures. Although it indicates you are giving permission for media use, we will not be doing this without direct notice with the parents/guardians.
COMPUTER RULES
Computers and various technologies:
You will be assigned a specific netbook, iPad, iPod, or notebook to use.
Changing computer settings including desktop settings will not be permitted.
Handle any technologies with two hands at all time.
Replace the netbooks in their appropriate location, plugged in. Do not pull cords out to dangle.
ALWAYS use the technologies appropriately. Visit only the sites assigned or permitted for your assignment.
Always close the netbooks when walking with them. Try not to bring them to the teacher; raise your hand please.
CLASS RULES
1. Follow directions and participate in class
2. Respect teachers, peers, and all property
3. Be in your seat, prepared for class, when the bell rings.
4. Turn in all work on time.
By now you all know how this classroom came to be filled with technologies. In 2010, four teachers were awarded a 21st century grant. The purpose of this grant was to bring new teaching methods to the classroom in an effort to increase student engagement and academic achievement.
Most students like the availability of the technologies. During their free time outside of school, there are technology-related activities they enjoy. This year, we will be learning to use the computers and digital tools for far more than social networking and gaming. During this school year, your use of our digital tools will be similar to using the encyclopedias in the library for research or art materials for Social Studies projects. The netbooks, notebooks, iPads, and iPods will be our ‘tools of choice.” As such, we should never lose sight of the reason we are in this class and that we use these technologies…to learn about ancient times and the middle ages. Our goal should be to first, acquire the knowledge and then, use it in a new and interesting format through the use of a digital tool.
THIS IS A PENCIL ONLY CLASS!!
NO GUM OR FOOD PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM. WATER CAN BE BROUGHT INTO THE CLASSROOM ONLY DURING THE HOT MONTHS IN THE FALL AND SPRING. WATER BOTTLES MUST BE KEPT IN THE CUBBIES...AWAY FROM THE TECHNOLOGIES PLEASE.
USE THE CUBBIES FOR YOUR EXTRA BOOKS AND MATERIALS. ONLY SOCIAL STUDIES MATERIALS SHOULD BE ON THE TABLE WITH THE STUDENTS.
SUPPLIES
In addition to paper to use in class, each student will need a spiral bound notebook specifically for notes. Each student will need a 1" to 1 1/2" three-ring binder to house their classwork, homework, study guides, quizzes, tests, etc. These binders, aka 'workbooks', will remain in the classroom to be used as a resource. The 'workbooks' should be taken from the classroom when studying for quizzes, tests or completing a project. Finally, my class is a 'pencil' class. This means we will NOT be using pens during the year. Students must have a pencil(s) and notebook paper every day.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments will vary. Some weeks students will have a homework project to be completed by a specific date. Sometimes students may have nightly homework and there may be periods of time when there is no homework assignments at all. Hopefully each student will have an assignment book (purchased or self-designed) to record assignments. Building organizational skills and a positive work ethic in middle school is very important.
LATE WORK
Nightly homework assignments are due the next day for credit. Late homework will not be accepted. We check assignments or discuss the homework topic the day the assignment was due.
Late projects will result in a 10% reduction for each day late, until the score reaches 0%.
WIKI
Dig Into the Past (this wiki) is the HOME wiki for our class and your best connection to our SS day. Here you will find class information and a page entitled, "Daily Deeds." If students are absent, they can find the details about the work we are doing in class. If a textbook is left at school, online links to the work will be in the Daily Deeds. It is important that the wiki be checked frequently since I make changes during the week.
Due to the size of the wiki, it is divided into individual wikis for each unit. They will be introduced as we approach the next unit.
TEXTBOOK
We have a new textbook this year. The books are signed out to the students through the ERC. It is their responsibility to monitor the use of their book and take good care of it. It is recommended that each student use a book cover. I hope to provide further information regarding an online version of the text or chapters on the unit wikis in the near future.
Our textbook is one of many resources we will be using this year. We also use atlases but there is only a class set. I have put the atlas activity pages on the related unit wiki. We will spend some time looking at and reviewing the above options during the first couple weeks of school.
GRADING
Grades are based on the points acquired on each assignment. Scores will be taken from a variety of assessments including: tests, quizzes, projects, homework assignments, classwork, etc. The grading scale is located in the student handbook.
GOOGLE (This information is subject to change. The District has developed its own Google Domain that we will be joining)
As a result of an ARRA grant, our building works with a Google domain. Each student at PVMS will have a login and password. If their teachers use Google Apps, students will be able to create Google Docs, Sites, Presentations, and all other applications available through Google. The benefit of using Google Apps in the classroom is that all work is saved 'on the cloud' rather than the school network. Students can access their work on any type of digital technologies that has Internet accessibility. We will use the apps in Social Studies throughout the year. I encourage students to share their Google account with their families. The login will be: first name.last name.@ pvms.gapps.swcs.us
Passwords are yet to be established.
ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO (ePortfolio)
Each student will create an e-Portfolio using Google Sites. This will basically be a website for the student to post their work, collect the topic vocabulary, write reflective responses, share their successes, etc. Students will use their login for their account and parents should ask to see it regularly. How proud they will be!!
We often use images of the students on their ePortfolios. You will be given a yellow sheet that must be signed if you permit your child to upload their pictures. Although it indicates you are giving permission for media use, we will not be doing this without direct notice with the parents/guardians.
COMPUTER RULES
Computers and various technologies:
CLASS RULES
1. Follow directions and participate in class
2. Respect teachers, peers, and all property
3. Be in your seat, prepared for class, when the bell rings.
4. Turn in all work on time.